$40,994

546

A Quest For Culture, Cuisine and Connection.

It's an adventure story, a photo-book, and a cookbook: with inspired travel writing, amazing personalities, beautifully revealing photography, and tasty recipes from all over the world.

Think of it as combining the best of Anthony Bourdain with Paul Theroux and National Geographic Adventure in a full-color, high-quality book that will bring the splendor of the world into your home and on your table.

I'm Allan Karl, adventurer, photographer, and author. I'm also WorldRider. I spent three years riding around the world alone—on a motorcycle.

I hope you'll join me.

I’ve invested the last three years of my life and nearly everything I own in writing and producing this book. Now it’s time to share it with everyone.

The Quest.

As I prepared for my journey many warned me not to go. My friends and family were convinced I would get sick, hurt, ripped off, kidnapped, or killed.

I thought differently. I imagined a world of friendly people as eager as I am to learn, share, and connect. My quest was to explore: to discover the beauty of our world and its humanity. To uncover truths about them both and to find and learn more about myself.

Through the pages of this book, I share not only incredible adventures, I share the powerful gift of human connection—often made over good food and drink. Readers can experience the world as I did by traveling through each country, meeting the people and their unique cultures, and tasting their food.

The Big Idea.

I never set out to write about food or a cookbook. Yet, when I returned home, I struggled to find the best way to share my journey with others. It finally hit me over a dinner with friends: I thought about the connections I made with new friends and the meals and stories we had shared—together.

As I traveled it occurred to me how important is the ritual of sharing food and how much we learn when we take the time to connect and share a meal with strangers or good friends alike.

So, I invited friends over to my place and prepared meals from recipes I collected on my journey—Brazil, Syria, Ethiopia and more.

While digging our forks into these delicious dishes, I told stories and shared photographs of those places. My friends were fascinated and wanted to hear, see, and taste more. This is the essence and beauty of sharing—together.

I cooked for more friends on other nights, and the more meals and adventures I shared, the more the word got out and the more friends wanted to join me for dinner. Soon it became a regular event.

This is it. This is the best way to share and experience the world—just as I did again and again during my journey—spending moments and making memories with good friends over real food and conversation.

When speaking to audiences around the country, I told these stories and incorporated photos into my talks. Audiences were inspired and asked questions. They were moved by the stories. They responded well to the lessons I had learned and shared.

Alone?

Of the many lessons I learned over the three years of my travels, perhaps the most important is that, even though I set off on this journey alone, I was never alone. Whenever I found myself lost, lonely, or hungry, I would just turn around and find somebody was always there. I’m amazed at our capacity to connect with people—with humanity. That’s where truth shines.

There are no strangers in the world, only friends you haven’t met.

The Struggle To Find A Publisher

For more than two years I’ve tried to convince traditional publishers and literary agents to support this project, share this message, and publish my book. Many of them were interested but unwilling to take a chance. They told me the project was too unique, too different, something they had never seen before. It didn't fit neatly into age-old publishing categories.

Instead, they urged me to change the book to something more familiar. One suggested I write a traditional adventure travelog or memoir. Another told me to forget the food—a traditional book would be easier to produce and publish. I’ve never been one who plays it safe or takes the easy route. I decided to accept the risk, take a chance, and tell my story the way it should be told.

The Kickstarter Potential & Possibilities.

I know that Kickstarter fans can see this book’s potential. I’m confident each of you would love a copy or know someone for whom it will be the perfect gift—family and friends who you love to cook for and share meals with.

Support, share, and spread the word about this project. The time is right to tell these stories, prepare these meals, and share these people, cultures, and foods. Together we can bring positive messages about the world we live in.

This book will appeal to most anyone at any age. That’s why it makes a perfect gift for yourself and your family, friends, and colleagues. I have many rewards that include multiple copies of this book. Here are some of the types of people who will love and appreciate this book:

What Is The Status With The Project? --What Else Needs To Be Done?

More About Author & Photographer Allan Karl

Allan is a professional keynote speaker, adventurer, photographer, author, digital-marketing and branding strategist and business and life coach.

As he did when he first set out to travel the world alone on his motorcycle, Allan has focused all of his time, energy, and money on bringing this project to life. He has traveled to more than sixty countries and has made it his mission to share the truth and beauty of the world through books, photographs, and personal appearances and public speaking.

Allan has put together an incredible design, photography, and production team by recruiting help from both friends and associates he’s worked with for more than twenty years and new friends who’ve volunteered because they believe in this project and want to bring it to life.

Is that a guitar without strings, or is that an oppressive ruler? Or, how can I even measure up to my amazing and talented friends? Michael Paff and Bonnie Toth are the best designers I know. I am so fortunate that they are supporting me and my project.

The Rewards

All but two of the rewards include a copy of the book. Many of the rewards include multiple copies of the book. That’s because this book is meant to be shared and makes a perfect gift.

Most of the rewards are self-explanatory, but here are further details of a few of the unique features in some of the rewards.

Collectable Postcards

Final postcard images will be determined based on backer input. All backers will have an opportunity to vote on images. Results of poll will determine final selection!

This is a set of five (5) oversized (6 x 9”) full-color offset printed cards on 12-pt coated paper with a gloss UV protective coating on the front.

One side of the postcard features a full-color photo (there is a multiple photo option) and the reverse side is a full-bleed single color, without coating making it suitable for mailing—though I think you’ll want to keep and display these.

The infamous Bolivia Llama Transport Vehicle will be included in the set, but the other four images that will be decided on based on popular choice determined by a simple e-mail poll I will send you after this project is funded.

The Book

You will receive a signed copy of the first-edition of FORKS. A Quest for Culture, Cuisine and Connection.

200+ pages

Hardcover, case binding

500+ photographs

35+ unique world recipes

9.25 inches by 10.375 inches, landscape

Depending on reward level chosen, you will get one or more of these books.

Photo Prints

This is a simulated representation of what standout mounting might look like

Your choice of at least seven different photos - photos will be posted for your selection after successfully finishing Kickstarter campaign.

Prints are printed by a professional photo lab on Kodak ENDURA Metallic paper, a glossy finish, and slight metallic appearance that yields bright, rich, vibrant colors and offers 100-year protection from fading.

There are two options for mounted Photos

Sleek Standout Mounting is made from lightweight foam with a black edge and includes holes on the backside, making it ready the print ready to hang as soon as it arrives. If no preference is indicated, I will mount the prints this way.

Bevel Mounting is a heavyweight board, giving the print substantial thickness to stand on its own, making it perfect for displaying on an easel, a shelf, or a wall; it is also suitable for framing.

The Iconic Bolivian Llama Transport Vehicle

This is just a representation of the print, cropping, scale and perspective will be optimized for the final image which will be printed on Kodak ENDURA Metallic Paper and bevel mounted on sturdy board. Suitable for standing on its own or for framing.

Included in a special reward: this is printed on the same Kodak ENDURA Metallic Paper, but is bevel mounted onto a heavweight board.

This gives the print substantial thickness to stand on its own, making it perfect for displaying on an easel, a shelf or to a wall, it is also suitable for framing.

Telephone Consultation & Conversation (travel, camera, motorcycle)

Several of my rewards include one or more of either a half or full-hour telephone consultations and conversations via Skype, FaceTime, or other available methods.

You can decide on the agenda, and I’ll be happy to help you with travel planning, ideas, or referrals. I’ve traveled to over sixty countries and have immense experience in visas, customs, and must-see locations and more. Just ask!

It’s rare that I don’t have my camera with me. I shoot still and video and use much of the latest hardware and software. So, if you’re interested, I can also help you with your decision on photography, video, and technology.

I can coach you on setting up a blog, social media, or digital marketing and more.

This is your time, and you can pick my brain or just chat about adventure with me as you wish.

Private Dinner Party

Food, photos, and stories in the comfort of your home or chosen location.

I will come to your home and cook together with you and your guests. We will prepare one or more recipes from my book.

This is for an intimate party of six guests. I will bring and sign personal copies of my book for each guest.

I will bring my iPad or laptop and share photos and stories from my travels and otherwise spend the evening with you enjoying good food and conversation.

I’ve included a $500 airfare credit, depending on where you live and airline rates at the time of booking. Any additional costs will be the responsibility of the backer, as is the cost of all food and recipe ingredients. I also request transportation to and from the airport and a bed, couch, or local motel for the evening.

Let's take a couple days together and explore my adopted home state of California by motorcycle. Meet me in Santa Barabara for coffee and we'll meet local motorcyclists before heading north through California's central coast including its great wine regions, historical missions and more. Depending on the season we'll make our way north stopping to see California's historical and national heritage sites such as Hearst Castle, elephant seal reserve, and onward to Big Sur. We can camp, stay in rustic cabins or enjoy the sustainable resorts of Ventana or Post Ranch Inn. Great local food awaits us and we'll plan our trip south the next day. All along I will share intimate knowledge of motorcycle travel, photography and we'll be documenting our experience together through photos and video. This is designed to be a one-on-one experience, however we can adjust the reward level if you want to incorporate fellow riders and friends. Contact me for details.

Keynote Speech

I am a professional keynote speaker and have delivered inspirational keynote speeches for a variety of companies including Apple, Google, Interplay, and many more.

I’ve spoken to as little as twenty and to as many as 1,000 people. Meeting planners, attendees, and senior managers has provided me with many testimonials.

My keynotes are designed to inspire people to face fear; overcome obstacles; and move beyond the borders and outside the comfort zone to compete, create, and innovate more successful businesses and lives. Usually I am booked by a national speakers bureau.

I’m offering just three of the keynote speeches at this reward level. I will provide ten personally signed books included at this reward level.

Included is a pre-keynote VIP meet and greet and a post-keynote Q&A.

A $500 airfare credit is included—any amount over $500, plus transportation to and from the airport and accommodations for one or two nights (depending on speaking and event schedule) is not included and is the responsibility of the backer.

We are planning possibly two book launch parties this winter, one in southern California and one on the East Coast in the New York metro or Washington, D.C. area.

Travel to the launch party is the responsibility of the backer.

Dates to be confirmed.

REWARDS OVERVIEW

I haven't included the base $10 reward in the chart below, but this reward is as equally important as all of those listed.

I appreciate each and every backer and you will all have access to backer only updates and all backers will receive special gifts as the campaign continues and as all rewards are fulfilled. I will also post stretch goals as the campaign progresses. Thank you!

Risks and challenges

The great news is that this project is more than 85% completed. The book will be delivered to the printer this summer and should be available in the fall in time for the holidays.

The only risk could be delays in printing and fulfillment which could push back the delivery date.

I've invested more than 3 years and nearly all of my savings into producing this book. I'll go out of my way to keep my word and promise. No matter what: if you pledge for postcards, prints, copies of the book, dinner party or keynote, you will get it. I promise.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

«NEW» One set of 12 5x7" greeting cards with envelopes featuring original photography by Allan Karl - at least 3 different photos/designs, offset printed on 16-pt card stock with a matte finish. Insides are blank.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

« Moto Traveler & Giver » Ride your motorcycle with WorldRider Allan Karl from Santa Barbara, California to Big Sur up California's legendary coastal Route 1. We will either camp or stay in other accommodations of backers choice. We will ride back to Santa Barbara the next day. All along exploring the cost, taking pictures and video and sharing stories. You must provide your own bike and accommodation cost is responsibility of the backer.

Pledge $3,500 or more
About $3,500

I will come to your home, bring 6 copies of my book, and personally sign each of them for you and your guests; together we'll cook one or more recipes from the book. I will bring my laptop and iPad loaded with photos and share with you and your guests, food, photos, and stories and adventures from around the world. You will also receive invitations for (8) to the Book Launch Party. - (see more info in left column)

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

I will come to your company, organization, association, business, church (or other house of worship) or school and deliver a powerful and inspirational 60 minute keynote speech complete with a multimedia presentation. I will host a VIP meet- and-greet session before the keynote and stick around for Q&A after the keynote presentation. Includes 10 signed copies of the first edition of my book, and an invitation for (10) to the Book Launch Party. - (see more info in left column)